Due to the severe impact of COVID-19 within the Chattanooga community, the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel their two fundraising events for 2020: the American Heroes Dinner held in July, and the HTS Golf Classic held in October.
According to board member and Director of Community Outreach Catherine Smith, "Even though these key fundraising events have been cancelled, the needs of our severely-wounded veterans continue.
And during these unprecedented times, feelings of anxiety, isolation, and disruption can be amplified. It is for this reason the important work of the foundation continues.”
Since its formation in 2013, the all-volunteer organization has had the privilege of helping many of the nation's most severely wounded veterans. One such hero is Army Ranger Cory Remsburg, who reached out to the foundation this past spring.
While on his 10th deployment with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan, Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg was critically injured by a massive roadside bomb. He was not expected to live. But after a three-year hospitalization, he returned home to Gilbert, AZ and began his new life. Soon after his injury, he was a special guest of President Obama and recognized at the 2014 State of the Union.
Cory’s parents have been his live-in caregivers since his injury. As they looked to the future, it became clear that they needed accessibility adaptations in Cory’s sister’s home for her to share in his care, which will last well beyond the capabilities of his aging parents.
That is when Honoring the Sacrifice stepped in to help the family make ADA compliant modifications in order that Cory would be able to spend time with his sister in a safe and hospitable environment, allowing his parents a break and period of rejuvenation.
"If not for the generosity and continued support of the Chattanooga community over these years, we would not be able continue our mission through this period of crisis," said Ms. Smith. "While we are disappointed that these popular events won't take place this year, it is our hope that our supporters will consider donating in lieu of a sponsorship or participation. We have a duty to support those for whom the fight will never end."
Plans are already in the works for the 2021 events and other fundraising opportunities this year that do not require public gatherings.
For more information on the Honoring The Sacrifice Foundation, visit their website at www.honoringthesacrifice.org.